I’m glad you said most. We’re not all ignorant, I always nod or wave. And as for indicating, I’m fastidious about it. It’s my biggest bugbear since I was knocked off my bike by a young idiot who didn’t indicate. I find it’s usually just the Ewan and Charlie wannabes that are twats.
I find that, actually finding other riders with similar interests, pace etc is almost impossible. I found the same thing with snow skiing partners, who claimed to be able to ski the expert slopes. After a day or two of expensive frustration. I found that the best most memorable days, I would sign up for the most advanced group half day lessons on a weekday afternoon, would end up in a class of one with a pro instructor and hit all of the the really technical slopes. I had fun, he had more fun than usual and he got paid. About 20% less than a private lesson, and learned a boatload. Kinda like a track day. Bad news is that it makes it even more difficult to find a suitable mate to ride with.
I also prefer the solo ride, as the disadvantages are much less than in a group. In the same way I see it as a pure myth that all motorcyclists in this world belong to a single large "family" and are therefore all equal. If I know someone, I naturally greet by waving, but otherwise never, because I have long since lost this enthusiasm. The same applies to well-known meeting places at various restaurants, which only leads to higher prices and ensures senseless stress and waiting times for service. In this respect, I prefer random acquaintances to organised groups when travelling long distances. A small talk at various service areas along the motorway is usually sufficient as a diversion. In this way I enjoy a maximum of freedom!
I've been on some great group rides, but they've all been with my local IAM group and their drop-off system (someone else on this thread called it 'dead man's corner', if I remember correctly) makes it easy. I also enjoy riding with close friends because I trust them. But I do prefer riding on my own. It's a form of meditation to me. I feel refreshed, not frazzled, after a solo ride, whether a 50 mile run or a 450 mile day.
The drop off system is great on group rides. We use it for our green lane rideouts as it is so very easy to get split up on them!
Always alone, me. Nobody round here to ride with anyway! To be honest, I have never ridden in a group... Prefer to do my own thing at my own pace. And yet, I'm just so loveable (according to Mrs BS, but she's biased).
I love that saying wait a doggone minute it is so American and only really sounds right when spoken in American. Don't know why think it might be from my Doris Day years. Regards Joe.
